The American Gourd Society is pleased to offer the following publications of interest to gourd growers and crafters. A link to a printable order form with further instructions can be found at the end of the publications list.
Note: We are not set up for credit card sales. We can only accept Checks and Money Orders made out to the American Gourd Society.
 



  NEW! 7 BOOKS ADDED AUGUST 2008! New listings begin here

Prices in red are items currently on sale at reduced prices!
 

# AGS 002

THE GOURD IN FOLK LITERATURE

by Eddie W. Wilson - $5.00

Beginning with the antiquity of the gourd, Wilson's research includes the gourd in religious literature, symbolism and ceremony, art and music, natural science, travel, American History, myth and fable, poetry, prose-fiction and essay, and children's literature. Over forty illustrations add visual impact to the text of the book. 

# AGS 006

THE GARDEN OF GOURDS

by Liberty Hyde Bailey (reprinted by permission) - $5.00

This book contains descriptions and drawings of many different types of gourds. This is a very educational book.

# AGS 008

GROWING GOURDS AND PREPARING GOURD HOMES FOR MARTINS

by James R. HILL, III - $3.00

The Purple Martin Conservation Association presents this booklet which is informative and interesting. This booklet shows techniques used for basic Martin Birdhouse Gourds.

# AGS 010

THE GOURD BOOK

by Charles B. Heiser - $25.00

An adventure with gourds. A world-wide journal of information on the uses, myths and fables surrounding the gourd. A must for the gourd enthusiast wishing to expand his/her knowledge on the subject of gourds.

# AGS 012

MAKING GOURD MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 

by Ginger Summit & Jim Widess - $17.95

Over 60 string, wind & percussion instruments & how to play them. Covers Idiophones, Membranophones, Chordophones and Aerophones. (Softcover book)

# AGS 014

GOURDS IN YOUR GARDEN 

by Ginger Summit - $18.95

At Last! A complete easy-to-use guide to help you: Identify gourd shapes, plan and prepare a garden, grow gourds and prepare gourds for use --- from recipes to art projects.

# AGS 015

THE COMPLETE BOOK OF GOURD CRAFT

by Ginger Summit - $19.00

This is the best and most current book on gourd craft, covering curing and cleaning, finishes, paints and pigments, pyrography, basketry and more. Hundreds of color photos of contemporary and traditional work, with 22 step by step projects.

# AGS 017

THE GOURD JOURNAL

by Eva Palwak - $6.00

This book compiles the Gourd Bulletins the American Gourd Society has published over the years. These bulletins have been updated and new information has been incorporated into the book on growing, curing and crafting on gourds. This is a great book for beginners and seasoned gourders.

# AGS 024

MEMBERSHIP IN THE AMERICAN GOURD SOCIETY

$15.00 per year ($40.00 for three(3) years)

Includes four (4) quarterly issues of The Gourd, the AGS Magazine.

# AGS 028

THE WEEKEND CRAFTER: GOURD CRAFTS

by Ginger Summit - $14.95

20 Great Projects to Dye, Paint, Carve, Bead and Woodburn in a weekend.

# AGS 041

GOURDS FROM VINE TO DESIGN

by Donn Kelver - $24.95

 

# AGS 043

#1 How To Draw & Woodburn Feathers on a Gourd

$6.00

Nine pages of step by step instructions with drawings and Color Photos.

# AGS 044

#2 How To Weave Decorative Sinew on a Gourd

$6.00

Eight pages of instructions and Stitch worksheets.

# AGS 045

#3 How To Clean & Cut Gourds

$6.00

Step-By-Step Instructions with answers to: When A Gourd is Dry;Remove mold stains; Cut opening or remove top; Clean inside & save seeds, etc...

# AGS 046

#4 How To Draw & Woodburn Egg Gourds With Symmetrical Geometrics

$6.00

Eight pages of step by step instructions, techniques useful on all size/shape gourds. Learn tricks to "Eyeballing" measurements.

# AGS 047

#5 How To Woodburn Mushrooms on a Gourd

$6.00

Ten pages of step- by-step instructions, technique useful on all size/shape Gourds. Patterns for many species of Mushrooms.

# AGS 048

#6 How To Draw & Woodburn Florals on a Gourd

$6.00

Techniques & Tricks for making Symmetrical Flowers, Vines, Flourishes, Leaves. Grasses, cattails, Tulips, Dragonflies, Daffodils, etc. for scenes/Borders/Filler.

# AGS 049

#7 Choosing & Using Dyes & Paints, etc. for a Gourd

$6.00

Reviews of: Acrylics/House Paint-Leather Dye-Artists'Oils-Polishes/waxes-Egg/Food Dye-Markers-Oils Polyurethane-Beeswax-Varnish-Wood Stain Qualities, Applications, Disadvantages.

# AGS 050

#8 How To Create Polymer Clay Designs

$6.00

Step-By-Step Instructions on How To Make Colorful Clay Canes. Ways to apply it to Gourd Art.

# AGS 051

#9 How To Create Pine Needle Rims

$6.00

with Three Basic Stitches-Photos/Drawings-How To Dye Pine Needles.

# AGS 052

#10 How To Do Gold Leafing on a Gourd

$6.00

Step-By-Step Instructions & Background History on Gold Leafing.

# AGS 053

#11 How To Draw & Woodburn Southwestern Designs on a Gourd

$6.00

Instructions, Tips and Ideas on Primitive Designs you can use.

# AGS 054

#12 How To Draw & Woodburn Celtic Knots

$6.00

Instructions & Worksheets with background history on Celtic Knotwork.

# AGS 056

GOURDS-From the Vine - Video

by Donn Kelver - $19.95

The real STORY on growing and hand training gourds for floral designs.

# AGS 070

Ideas for 30 Gourd Rims

by Kathy James - $6.00

(#13 from the Primitive Originals Workshop Series) 11 pages: Techniques, drawings, and ideas for both traditional and unique rim treatments.

# AGS 072

How to Make a Shekerie from a Gourd

by Kathy James - $6.00

(#14 from the Primitive Originals Workshop Series) Step-by-step instructions on how to make a traditional African shekerie plus variations on beading grids for future projects.

# AGS 073

How to Make Hawaiian Musical Instruments

by Jim Widess - $14.95

Hawai'i has a rich musical heritage that is carried on in the rhythmic beat of the ipu and resonant pounding of pahu drums at hula performances throughout the Islands. While many of the musical instruments that accompany hula today can be traced back to early Polynesian roots, others-including the ipu heke (gourd drum), ipu hokiokio (gourd nose flute) and `uliuli rattle-are considered to be uniquely Hawaiian, found nowhere else in the world. In the past, the only written information available on making Hawaiian musical instruments lay in the dusty notes of early anthropologists. Now, for the first time, the manufacturing processes of eighteen traditional Hawaiian musical instruments are documented with carefully researched instructions and step-by-step photographs in an easy-to-follow craft guide.

# AGS 074

Clipart Designs for Woodburning and Tracing

by Kathy James - $6.00

(#15 from the Primitive Originals Workshop Series) 12 pages of assorted graphics you are free to use on your art projects. Instructions on how to woodburn right through the special paper on which they are printed or trace using graphite or carbon paper.

# AGS 075

How to Create Beaded Gourds

by Kathy James - $6.00

(#16 from the Primitive Originals Workshop Series) 14 pages of Step-by-Step Instructions, Background History, Huichol Bowls, Beaded Egg Gourds, Decorative Beading, Plus 2 Design Patterns.

# AGS 076

Gourd Purses

by Aurelia Conway - $11.00

10 Purses to Paint for All Occasions. Make a Fashion Statement with a Gourd Purses. These Projects, which are suitable for both beginning and intermediate painters, include photos, step-by-step instructions, and full-size patterns. In addition, there is an extensive General Information section that guides you through the cutting, drilling, and assembly with illustrations and explanations.

# AGS 079

Great Garden Gourds

by Aurelia Conway - $11.00

My love for gardening and passion for painting have inspired 12 new projects for the intermediate or beginning painter. The functional birdhouses, wind chimes, and adorable rabbit will add to the beauty of your garden. I've even included some garden markers using miniature gourds to identify your plants and delight visitors. This book also tells you how to choose the type of gourd to use for a project, gives sources for them, and includes directions for cleaning them. Have fun painting these delightful gourd projects.

# AGS 080

Complete Book of Gourd Carving

by Jim Widess & Ginger Summit - $24.95

This book is 192 pages of color pictures showing many designs that can be put on a gourd. There are 16 chapters plus an index. Topics range from Impressed Gourds to Deep Relief or Sculptural Carving. The Introduction covers gourds from all over the world, tools needed to do the carving, plus the preparation needed to make the gourd ready for carving.

# AGS 084

THIS GARDEN GROWS A GODDESS

by Joan Riise - $11.95

In gourds, Joan Riise and her husband Lenny discovered a compelling art form steeped in history and mystery. This is truly a special book which provides a unique and intimate understanding of that mystery which has made the gourd so special to humans for thousands of years. Part memoir, part poem, part how-to book. A perfect balance of the feminine and masculine aspects of the Divine. Joan Riise brings joy and magic to the intersection of earth and art.

# AGS 086

BEYOND THE BASICS -- GOURD ART

by David Macfarland - $19.95

The Art and Soul of Gourd Crafting. Develop your skills at enhancing gourds using a variety of appealing techniques. More than 20 innovative artists reveal their methods and influences, present examples of their distinctive work, and offer a series of original projects that you can create. With their guidance, you'll go beyond the basics of an imaginative craft.

# AGS 087

GOURD CRAFTS FOR THE FIRST TIME

by Marilynn Host - $19.95

Once you see how many beautiful decorative and practical objects you can make with gourds – using a variety of easy techniques — you'll want to begin crafting with them right away. With each technique, there will be an exciting project to complete, from ladles to a birdhouse. As you progress through the book, you'll use your new skills in more challenging ways, working on pieces that are increasingly complex and intricate. Bonus: a gallery of stunning designs by finished artists that show what can be accomplished with gourds.

# AGS 090

MAKING GOURD ORNAMENTS

by Angela Mohr - $12.95

162 clear color photos and lively instructions teach readers to create imaginative and colorful Christmas ornaments made from hard-shelled, miniature gourds. The designs include birdhouses, snowmen, angels, tree balls, double tree balls, tree toppers,...

# AGS 091

HISTORIC GOURD CRAFT

by Angela Mohr - $14.95

What did America's first inhabitants use for cooking and eating? What did the stranded characters of television’’s Gilligan’’s Island use to prepare and eat food? Taking her cue from these questions, author Angela Mohr demonstrates how to create...

# AGS 092

GOURD ART BASICS

by Angela Mohr - $14.95

In this new gourd book, author Angela Mohr demonstrates how to select and prepare gourds from the garden and demonstrates basic techniques for cleaning, shaping, and fixing gourds, which then can be decorated. This book shows inexpensive ways to work with gourds all the way up to using power tools. It also covers several ways to repair weak gourds that may have flaws or been damaged, helping people who want to save a damaged piece of gourd art that has sentimental value.

# AGS 093

GOURD PUPPETS AND DOLLS

by Angela Mohr - $14.95

These projects join two age-old skills: gourding and sewing. With simple techniques, you can combine gourds with a cloth body to make dolls or puppets to enjoy or give as gifts. In this Do-It-Yourself guide, you'll learn how to make: - a gourd ragdoll...

# AGS 094

MAKING GOURD HEADPIECES

by Angela Mohr - $14.95

Angela Mohr uses scraps and misshapen runts of gourds to make fun things to wear on your head. With simple tools and supplies already in the house or from a local craft shop, you can make tiaras, barrettes, seasonal headbands, and hatpins and also use...

# AGS 095

GOURD CRAFTS --6 PROJECTS AND PATTERNS

by Ro Shillingford - $14.95

Learn all the steps necessary, from the ground up you might say, to create wonderful art with gourds. Over 220 clear color photos and concise text explain how to create gourd bird houses, bowls, apple boxes, whimsy-bird vases, ewers, and scarecrow...

# AGS 096

DECORATING GOURDS

by Sue Waters - $14.95

Discover the wonderful art of gourd carving and produce gourd-geous results in a minimal time! Gourds grow in all shapes and sizes, and no two are alike. This book shows you how to prepare a gourd for decoration, and then lets your creativity soar!...

# AGS 097

KUMI-HIMO ON A BRAIDING DISK

by Kathy James - $14.95

Make Contemporary Braids Easily, Colorful Photos and Drawings Step-by-Step Instructions for Round, Flat, and Hollow Braids Using all types of inexpensive and fun yarns and cords, you can create lovely decorative braids with ease. Make one-of-a-kind purse handles, necklaces, belts, bracelets, eyeglass cords, fan pulls, bookmarks, pet leashes, drapery ties, scrapbooking cords, and more.

# AGS 098

CLIPART BOOK I

by Kathy James - $14.95

Royalty-Free Designs & Illustrations This is a resource for designs to be drawn, painted, carved, or woodburned on craft applications. It was especially created for use with translucent pyrography paper, like PyroPaper™. Information about this paper is included at the end of the book.

# AGS 099

QUICK & EASY GOURD CRAFTS

by Mickey Baskett - $14.95

Embellishing gourds with paint and by woodburning is fun and easy with these projects, from fanciful ornamental objects to festive holiday decorations to terrific containers. Because gourds are so versatile and practical, yet whimsically shaped, they are perfect for creative crafting. Learn a variety of techniques to produce both whimsical and sophisticated designs-some outlined in black and others exquisitely colored-by six talented artists..

# AGS 100

MAKING GOURD DOLLS AND SPIRIT FIGURES

by Ginger Summit and Jim Widess - $24.95

Release the Spirits in Gourds by Turning Them into Dolls & Spirit Figures. If you're an artist looking to explore a versatile medium or are interested in making dolls with a remarkable heritage, look to nature's bounty. Learn a variety of classic techniques-from carving to sculpting-as you create a Kokeshi believed to protect children; a Green Man with four faces representing the seasons; a Matryoshka set based on the typical Russian nesting figures, and more. Complete with a gallery of inspiring work by talented artists, this unique guide will open your eyes to the design possibilities for a beautiful object.

# AGS 101

GOURDS

by Bonnie Gibson - $24.95

Create gourds with characteristic Southwestern motifs Gourds-with their infinite variety of unusual shapes and sizes, and their smooth surfaceshave provided a perfect canvas for artists in the American Southwest over many years. It's easy to carve, paint, and stain them, and add embellishments like beads and feathers. These beautiful projects, including rainsticks, masks, and bowls, reflect the traditional designs, techniques, and colors that are indigenous to this region.

Link to Printable Order Form